When Jessie, 11, had a reaction to something she'd eaten, she dismissed it as a one off. But a few years later, the same happened again. And this time, it was life threatening. Here's her story...
Jessie's Story
I was 5 when it first occurred. It was Christmas day and I was swirling my finger in a bowl of salted peanuts, then licking the salt off my fingers. Suddenly, my lip REALLY swelled up. It was horrible, I honestly felt like I was gonna die. Everyone crowded round me to see what was wrong, but luckily the swelling went down fairly quickly.
I thought nothing of the incident until 3 years later. I was a bridesmaid at my auntie's wedding and on the buffet was some chicken coated in chestnut sauce.
As I ate a bit of pizza, I got a bit of the sauce on my fingers so I licked them… I'd forgotten forgot about the chestnut sauce.
A terrifying reaction
Immediately, after licking my fingers, my mouth felt as if it had an ulcer inside, then it started to swell rapidly; I could hardly breathe. It was terrifying.
I was rushed to hospital where I got treated with some allergy medicine. After the allergic reaction, I ended up eating a happy meal for my dinner.
Images posed by models. Some names have been changed.
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What was wrong?
I went back to hospital to find out why my throat had swollen up so much and they told me that I was allergic to nuts, which was a real shock.
It took a while for the news to sink in, but I tried to carry on as normal... although of course, I had to stay away from all nutty foods! This proved to be a lot harder than it might sound.
“They told me that I was allergic to nuts”
Living with the allergy
Last year I got a hamster for Christmas and the food what came with my pet had peanuts in it. Mum and Dad hadn't realised at the pet shop! I still kept my pet though but now my Mum feeds him.
Two weeks ago, I had another reaction that I wasn't expecting after eating biscuits with coconut in! A rash appeared on my face but soon went, but it shows how careful I have to be.
I still get scared about my allergy and its horrible just thinking about how I could die from a bit of food, but I try not to think about it and get on with my life... a life which definitely contains no nuts.
Slink says:
There's a big difference between small food intolerances and more serious food allergies like Jessie's nut allergy. If you think you might have an allergy, make sure you see your GP.
More information:
The Surgery's allergy factfile
Slink's advice on a gluten allergy
Slink's A-List allergies
Images posed by models. Some names have been changed.
Pictures posed by models.
Your comments
Abbie, 13
OMG I feel so sorry for you! I lurve nuts and I couldn't live without them so I feel really sorry for you! Just keep living and eat well! xx
josey, 13
gutted!!!!!!
vikie, 15
"It took a while for the news to sink in, but i tried to carry on as normal"I myself have a nut allergy and i can die from my attacks..Life is normal with or without a nut allergy, what is she on.You only have to avoid certain foods.
Bobbi, 16
Yeah I have exactly the same thing, do you have an epi-pen? Loads of people have this kind of nut allergy, it's nothing special.
Emily, 15
wow your reli brave, i wud have been so scared, be careful :) x
Shekinah, 13
its horrible, having an allergic reaction! i have exactly the same thing, only now they've given me medicine and an adrenaline injection i have to carry with me at all times, but if you stay completely away from nuts, there is a possibility you can get less severe reactions. good luck! x
S..., 14
i totally sympathise coz i have had severe allergies to dairy stuff, eggs and nuts since i was REALLY young...i couldnt even touch oranges or grapes when i was little....but things have improved a lot now though i don't think i will ever be able to taste ice-cream or a proper pizza :-(....but don't worry because you get used to your allergies and you don't actually miss out on a lot...you still have your friends and family!!! xx
hira, 12
my sister has a allergy like yours to peanuts so your not the only one! it just goes to show you have to be careful with your food! :(
Amy, 14
I'm glad you know what it is now... When ever i eat nuts my tonge always starts itching & i feel sickk. Everyone says im not allergic but i keep away from eating nuts because i know how i will feel after i've eaten them! xx
